Defend and Confirm

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Defending and confirming the gospel, to the glory of God

Russell Berger & Sean DeMars


    • Apr 3, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 71 EPISODES

    4.8 from 239 ratings Listeners of Defend and Confirm that love the show mention: reformed theology, defending, edifying, gospel, truths, biblical, centered, concepts, christ, wise, faith, teaching, god, solid, grateful, clear, word, guys, play, important.


    Ivy Insights

    I am absolutely in love with The Defend and Confirm podcast. It has become one of my favorite podcasts of all time. This podcast is both deep and theologically rich, while still being approachable and not intimidating. I appreciate that I could easily share an episode with someone new to Christianity or even an unbeliever. The hosts, Sean and Russell, bring so much encouragement and strength to my faith with each episode. Their use of the Word to guide their discussions is truly inspiring.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the way Sean and Russell break down complex topics into digestible pieces without compromising on the truth. They have a talent for making difficult concepts easy to understand, which is incredibly helpful for Christians at any stage in their walk with the Lord. I also appreciate how they recommend books at the end of each episode, providing further resources for those seeking more knowledge and understanding.

    If I had to point out a possible downside of this podcast, it would be that some episodes may feel repetitive or redundant if you have been listening from the beginning. However, considering that repetition can often help reinforce important truths, this may not necessarily be seen as a negative aspect by everyone.

    In conclusion, The Defend and Confirm podcast is a fantastic resource for Christians seeking a deeper understanding of their faith. Sean and Russell's commitment to research, explanation, and staying true to biblical teachings is evident in every episode. Their intelligence, wit, and relatability make them incredible hosts who are able to impact lives through their work. I cannot recommend this podcast enough – give it a listen and you will be hooked!



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    Latest episodes from Defend and Confirm

    What Theonomy Gets Wrong: Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 34:46


    We continue our critique of Theonomy, and respond to criticism of our previous episode from our theonomist brothers. 

    What Theonomy Gets Wrong: Biblical Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 49:45


    Is God's law relevant for civil governments today? Yes, but not in the way that advocates of theonomy think. In this episode we look at what the Bible authorizes civil governments to do (and what he doesn't). If you find this and haven't listened to our first two episodes in this series, you're missing out!

    Episode 68: Theology of Church and State

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 39:50


    The separation of church and state is a Christian doctrine, yet today, many enemies of Christianity insist this phrase means the separation of religion and politics. In this second episode in our series on political theology, we look at what the bible has to say about these two institutions and their authority.

    Episode 68: Biblical Theology of the State

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2023 46:47


    In this first episode of our series on political theology, we look at the biblical history of covenants and show how bad thinking in this area leads to the two major errors of contemporary evangelical political thought.

    Episode 67: Friendly fire: The Dangers of Being on the Right Side of the Social Justice Controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 43:09


    It's important that we clean up our own ranks. Do you oppose critical theory? Good! Do you oppose it in a way that is unbecoming of the Lord's servant? (2 Timothy 2:24)

    Episode 66: A Little Help From Our Friends: Brooks Buser on Multiplying Movements

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2022 53:09


    In this episode, we interview Brooks Buser of Radius International. We ask Brooks if our critics are right: Have we been too severe in our assessment of multiplying movements? Tune in for another perspective from a trusted voice on missions to the glory of God.

    god friends movements multiplying little help radius international brooks buser
    Episode 65: Should The Gospel Offend Muslims?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 30:27


    In this episode, we interact with criticisms of Sean's quote in the film, American Gospel, "If a pastor can preach in such a way that a Muslim can sit in that audience and not be offended— then he is not preaching the gospel of Christ and Christ crucified." What do those on social media have to say about the offence of the gospel, and how do these views line up with scripture?

    Episode 64: Are Church Planting Movements Actually Planting Churches?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 32:07


    Church Planting Movement and Disciple Making Movement practitioners both aim to see churches planted, but what does that mean? In this episode, we compare the biblical definition of a local church against the definitions used by these paradigms. How do they stand up to the test? See for yourself. Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson https://www.9marks.org/books/missions/

    Episode 63: Obedience-Based Discipleship: Is it Biblical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 33:18


    Church Planting Movement practitioners teach a form of inductive bible study that emphasizes obedience to Jesus above all else. This "Obedience-based Discipleship" is said to counter a "knowledge-based discipleship" that plagues the Western church, while producing genuine Christians. But is this claim true? More importantly, is OBD faithful to scripture? Continuing our series on multiplying movements, we offer a critique of this pervasive methodology.

    Episode 62: What Caused the Sexual Revolution? Ft. Carl Trueman

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 46:54


    The sexual revolution did not cause the sexual revolution. In this week's episode, Sean and Russell interview Carl Truman and beg him to help us make sense of his book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.

    Episode 61: Person of Peace: Is it Biblical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2021 19:05


    Church Planting Movement practitioners teach missionaries to look for the "Person of Peace." These individuals, they claim, act as Spirit-prepared gatekeepers to non-Christian communities. But is this concept taught to us in scripture, as they claim? Continuing our series on multiplying movements, we offer a critique of this pervasive methodology.

    Episode 60: Did We Get Church Planting Movements Wrong?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 18:11


    Have we slandered those who use Church Planting Movement methodologies? In this episode, we discuss the feedback we've gotten on our current series. Why are some of our listeners telling us that our description of multiplying movements is accurate, while others are telling us we've attacked a straw man? Listen to find out.

    Episode 59: The History of Church Planting Movements (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 40:34


    What do Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, and Church Planting Movements have in common? While the "attractional" model of ministry might seem like the polar opposite of Church Planting Movements, a close look at their history tells a very different story. In this episode, we trace the theological roots of Multiplying Movements through the 20th century.

    Episode 58: The History of Church Planting Movements (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 40:34


    Where do Church Planting Movements and Disciple Movement paradigms originate? While these terms may be new, many of the ideas behind them aren't. In this episode, we trace the theological roots of Multiplying Movements back to the advocates of revivalism in the 19th century.   Books mentioned: Conversion, by Michael Lawrence: https://www.9marks.org/books/conversion/ Missions, by Andy Johnson: https://9marks.myshopify.com/collections/building-healthy-churches-series/products/missions    

    Episode 57: What are Church Planting Movements?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 38:19


    The first episode in our series on Multiplying Movements. Commonly known as Church Planting Movements or Disciple Making Movements, these missiological paradigms have become the standard in evangelical missions. But are they wise? In this episode, we define these strategies, and do our best to save our critiques for a future episode.

    movements church planting disciple making movements
    Episode 56: What is Christian Nationalism?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 40:22


    What is Christian Nationalism? Is it synonymous with Patriotism, or something more nefarious? Let Sean and Russell walk you through this hazy concept and its implications for the church.

    Episode 55: Our Critique of Critical Race Theory (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 60:43


    In this week's episode, Russell and Sean offer their final critique of Critical Race Theory. What would you like to see them cover next? Leave your comments and suggestions below.

    Episode 54: Our Critique of Critical Race Theory (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2021 63:13


    In this episode, we try to get at the heart of Critical Race Theory. Is all racial disparity the result of racial discrimination, or is there a better explanation? Here's the first half of our two hour long episode where we try to answer that question.

    Episode 53: History of Critical Race Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 24:43


    In order to rightly understand an idea, one must know the history of its conception and subsequent development. In this week’s episode of Defend and Confirm, Russell takes the reins and walks us through the history of Critical Race Theory. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild ride!

    What is Critical Race Theory?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2021 22:17


    Unless you live under a rock, you've heard of Critical Race Theory.Yet it can be hard to find clear, thorough explanations of what CRTactually teaches. In this episode, we try to do just that. We coverthe basic tenets of CRT and discuss how these tenets fit together.

    Critical Race Theory: Hear Our Hearts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 14:49


    Why are we talking about Critical Race Theory? We begin this mini-series on CRT by checking our own hearts. No one's heart is completely pure, but we hope that after watching this episode, you can trust our motives, even if you disagree with our conclusions.

    Episode 50: Social Justice Activism: Salvation by Works?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2020 27:29


    What is the role of social justice activism in Contemporary Critical Theory? How does this emphasis on activism connect postmodernism? In this episode, we make these and other very boring questions seem interesting, while delving further into the religious nature of CCT.

    Episode 49: Can Christians vote Democrat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2020 39:27


    How should we think about professing Christians who vote for a Democrat? What political views, if any, are grounds for excommunication? In this episode, we talk about the moral complexity of voting in a representative form of government, and offer advice on how Christians can pursue unity in the midst of political division.    

    Episode 48: Asking Jonathan Leeman if 9Marks is Marxist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2020 54:42


    In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Leeman, editorial director for 9Marks. We pepper him with questions about whether or not Marxists have secretly infiltrated 9Marks, and discuss how Christians who disagree on issues related to Critical Theory can do so in a way that preserves gospel unity in the church.

    Episode 47: Is Professional Music Ministry Biblical?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2020 32:05


    Why do we sing as Christians? Does God care if we sing? Better yet, does He care how we sing? In this episode, we critique how some evangelical churches approach their music-making ministry, and offer some practical advice for how those Christians can more faithfully serve the Lord with the instrument he has given every one of us.

    Episode 46: Critical Theory's Oppression Paradigm

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 29:59


    Our critique of Contemporary Critical Theory continues as we analyze CCT's concept of the social binary. Is society fundamentally a conflict between oppressors and the oppressed? Are all social groups engaged in a hierarchical struggle for power? Spoiler alert: No.

    Episode 45: Am I Really a Christian?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2020 34:20


    In this episode, we are joined by our good friend Mike McKinley to discuss his book Am I Really A Chrisitan? The bible makes it clear that there is a category of person who believes himself to be a Christian, but will someday hear from Christ "I never knew you." That's a frightening thing to consider. How can we have assurance that we are truly saved? The right answer to this question can help doubting Christians have confidence that they are Christ's, and can stir false professors to recognize their desperate need for conversion. You can find Mike's book here.

    Episode 44: Truth, Oppression, and Critical Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 27:29


    Critical theory teaches that the "lived experience" of oppressed people gives them special access to the truth, while oppressors are blinded by the privilege of their social position. Behind this claim is a view called "standpoint theory", an epistemology that is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity.

    Episode 43: Down With The Hegemony?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2020 24:41


    "All truth is God's truth."  True.  But Critical Theory isn't true. Contemporary Critical Theory is not a tool that Christians should keep in their tool belt. Rather, CCT is a religion that is fundamentally at odds with the gospel of Jesus Christ. There will always be a hegemony, the only question is, "Which hegemony? That which flows out of Christianity...or cultural Marxism?"

    Episode 42: History of Critical Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 30:22


    In this third episode in our series on Critical Theory we look at the history and development of Contemporary Critical Theory. Specifically, we explore the relationship between CCT, the Frankfurt School, and Marxism. Oh, you don't like history? Good thing we didn't ask for your opinion. 

    Episode 41: What Is Contemporary Critical Theory?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2020 33:18


    In this second episode in our series on Critical Theory, we take a closer look at the major tenets of Contemporary Critical Theory (CCT). What characteristics tie the various streams of CCT together? Don't we see similar characteristics taught in the Bible? We answer these questions and more with the help of special guest Young Will.

    Episode 40: Introduction to Critical Theory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2020 29:40


    What is Critical Theory? Why would we talk about it? Are we even qualified to talk about it? This is the first episode in our series on Critical Theory, and here we lay some important ground work for future episodes. Is this the most exciting and controversial stuff on the internet dealing with Critical Theory? Definitely not. But is it helpful? We think so.

    Episode 39: Our Kingdom, or God's?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2020 32:10


    What does it look like when a pastor builds his own kingdom? In this episode we talk about the dangers of self-branding and self-promotion in ministry. This episode's "book you should read" is C.J. Mahaney's Humility (https://www.amazon.com/Humility-Greatness-C-J-Mahaney/dp/1590523261/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=cj+mahaney+humility&qid=1594481383&sr=8-2_) Also, if you haven't seen it, watch the film There Will Be Blood (2007).

    Episode 38: On Social Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2020 28:51


    We're back! After a year-long hiatus, we came back together to discuss social media. We dig in to cognitive bias, disunity in the church, and other spiritual dangers that Facebook, Twitter, and similar platforms present. We also offer some simple suggestions for Christians struggling in this area. This episode's "book you should read" is an article by Mark Dever: 12 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting Something Online

    Episode 35: Prosperity in the Atonement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2019 24:09


    Does God promise healing for all believers in this life? Katherine and Russell team up for this episode on in our series on the prosperity gospel. They discuss the relationship between prosperity theology and the atonement, identify the various proof texts and arguments used by prosperity teachers to justify their views on the atonement, and present a scriptural alternative. 

    Episode 34: Dissecting The Pro-Choice Argument

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2019 21:45


    Pun intended. In this episode, we review our experiences at the "My Body My Choice" rally, talk about the changes that have occurred in the pro-choice rhetoric over the last few years, and outline an apologetic strategy for engaging with the other side.

    Episode 33: The Roots of Prosperity Theology, Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2019 20:10


    Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today. In this series, we recommend three "book you should read": 1. The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel 2. Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel 3. No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful

    Episode 32: The Roots of Prosperity Theology, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2019 16:52


    Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today. In this series, we recommend three "book you should read": 1. The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel 2. Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel 3. No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful

    Episode 31: The Roots of Prosperity Theology, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2019 18:46


    Where does the prosperity gospel come from? Why should we care? In this series we look at the historical roots of the Word of Faith movement and explain how understanding the history of this American phenomena can help us better understand it today. In this series, we recommend three "book you should read": 1. The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel 2. Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel 3. No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It's Harmful

    Episode 30: Prosperity Heresy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2019 28:44


    The prosperity gospel is one of the greatest threats to the true gospel in the world today. In this episode, we describe the underlying heresies associated with the prosperity gospel, also known as the word of faith movement. We unpack some of the dangers of the prosperity movement, spend some time talking about how it can creep into otherwise healthy churches.  This episode's "book you should read": The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel  

    Episode 29: Charity, Clarity, Proximity, Speed

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2019 25:33


    After a long hiatus, we get back to the topic of social justice. We find that the concepts of charity, clarity, proximity, and speed, give us good biblical categories through which we can discuss issues of justice. Give this one a listen and see if you agree.  This episode's "book you should read": Why We Love the Church: In Praise of Institutions and Organized Religion

    Episode 28: Celebrityism and the Multisite Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2019 26:14


    If you've listened to our episodes on the biblical definition of a "church", you've probably figured out that we don't believe the multisite church model is healthy, or biblical. In this episode, we unpack our concern that multisite churches are particularly at risk for developing a culture of celebrityism. What is celebrityism? How does it negatively impact God's people? Listen and find out. I'm not just going to give it all away in the description.  This episode's "book you should read" is an article: Twenty-Two Problems with Multisite Churches 

    Episode 27: Developing a Theology of Worship, with Grant Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2019 23:24


    What is the role of music in a church? Should music leaders and pastors focus primarily on entertainment and musical excellence, or on congregational singing? In this episode, Sean talks with Grant Miller about the way scripture changed his theology of worship, and ultimately the way he leads music on Sunday mornings.  This episode's "book you should read": Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church

    Episode 26: The Case for Avoiding the Term "Social Justice"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2019 22:03


    Following our analysis of the history and evolution of the term "social justice", Sean and Russell ask an important question: How should we use this term? We look at the three major conceptions of the term that are popular today, and make the argument that christians (and especially pastors) should consider avoiding it when possible. 

    Episode 25: Is “Social Justice” a Historically Marxist Concept?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2019 20:24


    The term “Social Justice” can be found in almost any discussion about society, politics, and religion, and many evangelicals have fully embraced the word. But what is the history of the term, and how might the ideological origins of “social justice” color its meaning? In this episode, we survey the origins of the conception of social justice, and look at the the ways that Catholic, Utilitarian, and Marxist ideologies have harnessed the power of this phrase. This episode's "book you should" read is an article: Defining Social Justice, by Michael Novak

    Episode 24: Defining “Justice” Biblically

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2019 19:38


    In this episode, we discuss the way the Bible speaks of “justice.” We look at the two Hebrew words translated as “justice” in our English bibles, and use them to build a framework for understanding the use of the word in modern discussion about “social justice”.  

    Episode 23: Concerns About J.D. Greear's Pragmatism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2019 24:35


    In this episode, we discuss recent tweets from the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, J.D. Greear. We believe these tweets are indicative of serious problems within evangelical culture, namely, a pragmatic view of worship that turns Sunday gatherings in to performances. Because Pastor Greear is both a highly influential leader and a brother in the faith, we felt compelled to address these problems directly.     This episodes "books you should read": Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart, by J.D. Greear  

    Episode 22: Right and Wrong Understandings of the Mission of the Church

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2018 23:25


    Much of the current buzz about social justice centers on what the church should be doing in the world. But what is the mission of the church? As we discuss in this episode, the mission of the church is far more specific than many evangelicals believe it to be. When we we add to that mission, even with good works, we risk drifting from what God has called the church to do. Even worse, we might eventually lose the gospel itself.  This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

    Episode 21: Defining the Term "Church"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2018 22:12


    Continuing our discussion of social justice, we begin to hammer out some fundamental terms. In this episode, we define the word "church." If you want to think rightly about social justice, you have to understand the mission of the church. If you want to understand the mission of the church, you have to correctly define what and who the church is. 

    Episode 20: Wrestling with the Language of Social Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2018 17:12


    In this episode, we continue to build the foundation for discussing social justice. We talk about the way the English language changes over time, how people intuit the meanings of important terms like “justice", and discuss the importance of looking for the Aristotelian mean during these types of controversies. This episode's "books you should read": What Is the Mission of the Church?: Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom, and the Great Commission

    Episode 19: Why Discussing Social Justice is Hard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2018 24:11


    In this episode, we wade carefully into the waters of "social justice." We begin by outlining some of the difficulties that arise when talking about this issue, including the importance of defining our terms carefully. This episode's "books you should read": https://www.amazon.com/What-Mission-Church-Justice-Commission/dp/1433526905

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